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How Long Should You Wait to Wash Hair After Coloring? - Let’s Discuss
Learn how long to wait to wash hair after coloring and the factors and time duration to be considered before washing colored hair to preserve its vibrancy.
Have you ever been confused about how long you should wait to wash your hair after coloring? The excitement of freshly colored hair often comes with the hassle of planning each wash and constantly wondering how to avoid rapid color fading. But, do not worry, as we are here to help you solve this dilemma just before your next color appointment.
Here, we will delve into the factors that influence the waiting period and provide valuable insights on how long you should wait. This is because getting the timing right is crucial along with other factors like the right products, proper water temperature, protective accessories, etc. for ensuring your hair color looks stunning for as long as possible. Therefore, sit back and enjoy your vibrant tresses as we offer simple care solutions to enhance their longevity effortlessly.
What is the Wait Time Before Washing Colored Hair?
To allow the layer of hair color to set and maximize its longevity, it's generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours (2 days) after hair color application before washing them. This waiting period helps ensure that the color molecules properly adhere to your hair and prevents premature color fading. However, always follow the specific instructions provided by your colorist or the hair dye product you used, as waiting times can vary depending on the type of dye and brand, and also your hair types.
Why Is My Color Fading?
The time duration of color fading may vary from person to person for it depends on several factors. It is essential to understand these factors because it will help you delay color fading. Here are some common reasons why hair color fades:
- Shampooing And Washing: Frequent shampooing and washing of the hair is any hair color’s worst enemy as it causes the color molecules to wash out more quickly. Using hot water and harsh shampoos can also strip away color.
- Sun Exposure: Exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays from the sun can lead to color fading. The speed of color fade is especially faster in the case of vibrant or bright hair colors than in darker hair (1). UV spray protectants can help mitigate this issue.
- Swimming: Chlorine in swimming pools and saltwater in the ocean can strip away hair color and can dry out bleached blonde hair. Using a swim cap or rinsing your hair with fresh water before swimming can help.
- Hair Care Products: Some hair care products, including shampoos and conditioners, contain ingredients that may contribute to color fading. Using color-safe products can help preserve your color.
- Heat Styling: Excessive use of heat-styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can accelerate color fading. Applying heat protectants to your hair before styling can offer some protection from the damage caused by hot tools.
- Hard Water: If you have hard water in your area, the minerals in the water can interact with hair color, causing it to fade. Using a water softener or clarifying shampoo can help.
- Color Type: The type of hair dye and hair color products used can affect how long the color lasts. Semi-permanent colors generally fade faster than permanent hair colors.
- Hair Porosity: Hair porosity, or how well your hair absorbs and holds onto color, can influence how long the color lasts. Highly porous hair may lose color more quickly.
- Initial Hair Color: The starting color of your hair can impact how well the new color adheres. Lighter hair colors may require more maintenance to prevent fading.
- Environmental Factors: Humidity, dust, and environmental pollutants can contribute to color fading over time
- Washing Habits: Aggressive rubbing of the hair while washing and using rough towels can cause color to fade more quickly.
Is Coloring Freshly Washed Hair Safe?
Typically, it is not advisable to conduct color treatments on freshly washed hair as it lacks natural oils that protect it from drying out. Therefore, adding chemical dyes to them will further damage the strands. But, it is also not advisable to color excessively greasy and dirty hair that has gunk buildup as it will affect the color pay-off. Therefore, ideally waiting for a day or two after washing your hair offers a perfect canvas for the dye to set in without causing much damage. However, there are certain temporary hair dyes such as demi-permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes that are formulated to work best on wet hair. They lack harsh chemicals like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide which are the primary ingredients leading to hair damage. Therefore, in these cases, hair coloring right after washing them may be a better option as clean hair will have more area for the dye pigments to attach themselves to the outer layers.
Wash Your Hair After Dying it the Right Way
Washing your hair after dyeing requires a slightly different approach to ensure that you preserve the color pigments and maintain the health of your hair. Here is a guide on how to wash your hair after dyeing it:
- Wait for the Recommended Time: After dyeing your hair, it's crucial to wait for the recommended time mentioned on the hair dye product or provided by your colorist. This waiting period allows the color to set and adhere properly to your hair.
- Use Lukewarm Water: When it's time to wash your hair, use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Hot water can open the hair cuticles and cause color to fade more quickly.
- Choose a Color-safe Shampoo: Use a shampoo specifically designed for color-treated hair. These shampoos are formulated to be gentle on the hair and help preserve the color.
- Apply Shampoo Gently: Avoid scrubbing your hair vigorously. Instead, apply the shampoo gently to your scalp and hair. Focus on massaging your scalp to cleanse it without excessively disturbing the color.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Ensure that no residual color or shampoo is left in your hair.
- Condition With Care: Apply a color-safe conditioner to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Leave the conditioner on for the recommended time and then rinse it out.
- Use Cold Water for the Final Rinse: Finish your wash with a final rinse using cold water. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticles, which can lock in the color and make your hair shinier.
- Avoid Frequent Washing: To prolong the vibrancy of your hair color, try to avoid washing your hair too frequently. Using dry shampoo between washes can help keep your hair looking fresh.
Does Hot Water Washes Affect Colored Hair?
Yes, hot showers can make your hair color less vibrant over time because hot water has a higher capability of opening the hair cuticles. Cuticles are like tiny scales on the hair shaft that capture the color molecules, therefore, opening them will allow these molecules to escape more easily. When you wash your hair while the cuticles are open, the color can wash out, leading to faded hair color. This effect is more pronounced with certain hair dyes, especially semi-permanent or temporary ones.
Best Products to Maintain Dyed Hair:
The best products to use on dyed hair are those specifically designed for color-treated hair. These products are formulated to be gentle, preserve color vibrancy, and maintain the health of your hair. Here are some essential products for dyed hair:
- Color-safe Shampoo And Conditioner: Look for shampoos and conditioners labeled as "color-safe" or "for color-treated hair." These products are sulfate-free and contain ingredients that help prevent color fading while providing hydration and protection.
- Leave-in Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner can provide additional moisture and detangling benefits, helping to keep your dyed hair soft and manageable.
- Color-enhancing Shampoo And Conditioner: Some brands offer color-enhancing products designed to boost and maintain specific hair colors (e.g., blonde, brunette, red). These can help refresh your color between dyeing sessions.
- Deep Conditioning Treatment: Periodically using a deep conditioning treatment can help repair and nourish color-treated hair, preventing dryness and damage.
- UV Protectant Spray or Serum: UV protection products can shield your hair from sun damage and color fading caused by UV rays. These products are especially useful if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Heat Protectant: If you use heat styling tools, a heat protectant spray or serum is essential to prevent color damage and maintain hair health.
- Sulfate-free Clarifying Shampoo: Occasionally, use a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo to remove product buildup and impurities from your hair without stripping away color.
- Color-enhancing Hair Masks: Hair masks specifically formulated for color-treated hair can provide intense hydration and color protection.
- Silk or Satin Pillowcases: Switching to silk or satin pillowcases can help reduce friction and prevent hair breakage, which is especially important for maintaining color-treated hair.
- Low pH Products: Look for hair care products with a low pH level (acidic) as they can help close the hair cuticles, locking in color and preventing fading.
- Vitamin-enriched Products: Products containing vitamins like vitamin E and antioxidants can help maintain hair health and prolong color life.
What to Avoid
To prevent color fade and maintain the vibrancy of your dyed hair, it's important to avoid certain practices and factors that can contribute to color loss. Here's what to avoid:
- Hot Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticles, causing color molecules to escape. Wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water instead.
- Frequent Washing: Washing your hair too often can strip away color. Try to extend the time between washes or use dry shampoo between wash days.
- Harsh Shampoos: Avoid shampoos that contain sulfates, as they can be harsh on color-treated hair. Use sulfate-free, color-safe shampoos instead.
- Excessive Heat Styling: Heat-styling tools like flat irons and curling wands can accelerate color fading. Use these tools sparingly and apply a heat protectant before styling.
- Chlorine And Saltwater: Chlorine in swimming pools and saltwater in the ocean can strip away hair color. Rinse your hair with fresh water before swimming or wear a swim cap.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun can cause color fading. Protect your hair from the sun by wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection.
- Overusing Hair Products: Using too many hair products can lead to product buildup, which can interfere with the color. Use products sparingly and choose those designed for color-treated hair.
- Using Harsh Brushes: Avoid using harsh brushes or combs that can damage the hair cuticles and lead to color loss. Opt for gentle, wide-toothed combs or brushes designed for detangling.
- DIY Color Correction: Attempting to correct or change your hair color at home can lead to uneven results and potential color damage. Consult with a hair expert for color corrections.
- Alcohol-based Styling Products: Some styling products contain alcohol, which can be drying and contribute to color fade. Choose alcohol-free styling products.
- Excessive Touching: Touching your hair frequently, especially with hands that have product residue or natural oils, can lead to color loss.
- Skipping Maintenance: Regularly scheduled maintenance appointments with a professional colorist can help touch up your color and keep it looking fresh.
Best DIY Masks to Care For Colored Hair
Maintaining the vibrancy and health of colored hair can be achieved with nourishing DIY hair masks. Here are some top DIY recipes for hair treatment masks specifically designed for colored hair:
1. Avocado And Honey Mask:
- Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with two tablespoons of honey.
- Apply the mixture to damp, clean hair, and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Avocado provides moisture, while honey adds shine to your colored locks.
2. Coconut Oil And Egg Mask:
- Combine three tablespoons of coconut oil with one egg yolk.
- Apply the mixture to damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water and shampoo. Coconut oil helps with hydration, and egg provides protein for hair strength.
3. Banana And Yogurt Mask:
- Blend 1-2 ripe bananas with 1/4 cup of plain yogurt.
- Apply the mixture to clean, damp hair and leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Both bananas and yogurt add moisture that can help maintain hair color.
4. Milk And Honey Mask:
- Mix 1/2 cup of milk with two tablespoons of honey.
- Apply to clean, damp hair and leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. Milk provides protein, and honey adds shine.
5. Mayonnaise Mask:
- Mix 2 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise with a few drops of lavender essential oil (optional).
- Apply this paste to the length of your hair, especially at the roots
- Wait for 15-20mins and wash off with lukewarm water. Mayonnaise is composed of egg yolk and almond oil, both of which have nourishing effects.
Conclusion
Coloring your hair is a great way to dramatically change one’s appearance, but as someone who is new to the hair color game, you may wonder how long should you wait to wash your hair after coloring. So, our article attempted to give you a good idea about the basic coloring process along with the factors that may affect the vibrancy of your color and what to do and avoid to maintain a long-lasting color. Good hair color care practices like cold water rinses, using color-safe products, applying sun-protecting hair products, using nourishing masks, etc. will ensure delayed color fading and keep color-treated hair healthy too. On the other hand, practices like using harsh shampoos, frequent heat styling, incorrect color correction, etc. may not just fade the color faster but end up damaging your hair strands too. Therefore, take utmost care both before and after coloring your hair to flaunt shiny, dynamic, and flawless locks.
ALSO READ: 17 Best Shampoos for Natural Hair Growth And Volumized Tresses
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